Remembrance Day

November 11, 2017

Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of Remembrance Day

OTTAWA— This is the season of remembrance, and it is important that we take the time to reflect and to give thanks to our Canadian veterans. On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to extend my most profound gratitude to members of the Canadian Armed Forces, past and present.

They have served with conviction, in peacetime and in war. They have given so much—including time with their families. And in some cases, they have made the ultimate sacrifice: their very lives. They did so for their country—for Canada.

This week, we proudly wear the poppy to honour the courage and selflessness of those who stood in our defence and those who continue to do so. We must never forget the horrors of war. I was a teenage student when I first visited the Flanders battlefields. I will never forget.

I have great admiration and infinite respect for the women and men who serve in uniform with duty and honour. I am the descendant of a soldier and have flown in space with members of the military—some of whom also lost their lives in service to their country. Some of them were close friends. I know first-hand what sacrifice means.

We have a duty to remember the stories of Canadians who valiantly fought for our freedoms. Let’s honour the bravery and sacrifices of our veterans by working together for a better and more peaceful world.